After a press conference yesterday, UK PM Boris Johnson announced high street betting shops can in fact reopen even if the local area is in Tier 3, the highest tier of restrictions.
Welcome News
Currently, high street betting shops have to remain closed in Tier 3 areas, so the news comes as a welcome relief as Michael Dugher, Betting and Gaming Council CEO confirmed.“This is great news for our customers in communities across large parts of England and for the thousands of people employed at high street betting shops. I know how hard in particular the DCMS battled for their sectors and ministers deserve our sincere thanks.”Restrictions will remain in place after the lockdown is lifted on the 3rd of December with additional limits on customers, removal of chairs, and a ban on live sport streaming inside the shops. Betting shops throughout the UK already had strict Covid safety measures in place before the second lockdown including hand sanitisers for customers, Perspex screening, track and trace systems in place and social distancing implemented.
Fans Return To Live Sporting Venues
As of the 3rd December, limited crowds will be able to attend sporting events, with up to 4,000 attendants to outdoor sporting events if the area is in the lowest Tier 1, and drops to 2,000 fans in Tier 2.Michael Dugher also welcomed the return of spectators to sporting events after the devastation caused by the ban of fans attending horseracing and football.Casinos reopening in Tier 1 and 2 was also a welcomed relief but the future is still uncertain regarding Tier 3 areas. Mr. Dugher said casinos were best-in-class when it comes to the hospitality sector and anti-covid measures, adding there is no evidence that they contribute to the spread of the virus. It’s extremely disappointing they will remain closed.